By Taylah Eastwell
Telstra last week announced a “reward” for all employees who get the Covid-19 jab.
CEO Andy Penn sent an email to staff on 16 August announcing that all employees who get fully vaccinated would be rewarded with 200 points towards the companies rewards program, the equivalent of $200.
“This is voluntary and will be applied retrospectively so anyone who has already been vaccinated will also receive these points. And as we play our part in battling this global crisis together, we will also provide these incentives to our international teams in countries where we are able to do so and where we have not already provided incentives,” Penn said.
“This is a global emergency that has seen some of us lose loved ones – and even more of us separated from family interstate and abroad. And one that has seen our teams outside Australia, particularly in India and the Philippines, impacted on a scale many of us in Australia cannot fully comprehend,” he said.
Mr Penn said Telstra serves “many millions of customers” and therefore has an important nation-building role to play.
“It is part of the fabric of our company. The quicker we are vaccinated, the quicker we are safer and stronger economically.
The email states the company “haven’t yet” made getting vaccinated a requirement for certain roles.
“However, we will continue to consider relevant Government and Health advice, particularly for our people working in high-risk locations and with vulnerable people, such as aged care, hospitals and Indigenous communities. If that changes we will talk with you first,” the email read.
“If you are unsure about the vaccines, the best thing to do is to speak with your doctor. We will continue to provide paid time off to get vaccinated and if you have any side-effects.
The incentive is expected to be open until 31 December.
“I know this is an emotive topic – so please be respectful in your comments. I don’t expect everyone to have the same view on this, but personally and as a company, we believe that being committed to getting people vaccinated is the right thing to do,” Penn said.
